UN mission in Timor-Leste draws to a close

Members of the Malaysian Formed Police Unit boarding the plane to return home

After six years in the country, the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) concluded its mandate on Monday, 31 December.

The UN helped guide the Asia-Pacific nation to independence in 2002, and the mission assisted in consolidating stability and building democracy in the wake of major political, humanitarian and security crises.

Ameerah Haq, the mission's former chief, says the Timorese people have the capacity to continue to build their country.

UN Radio's Monica Villela Grayley sat down with Ms. Haq, who now heads the UN Department of Field Support in New York, for her recollections.